5 Facts about laughter, not only healthy for the body

Various facts about laughter, not only healthy for the body

1. Actually, laughter is not necessarily because of a joke or joke

Robert Provine, a psychologist from the University of Maryland found the theory that humans can actually laugh when they are talking small talk with friends, not because of a joke being told. Robert also said that we are 30 times more likely to laugh at something when we are with other people than when we are alone.

Robert did research by observing the conversations of people in the mall. Out of 1,200 laughter at the mall, it turns out that only about 10 percent of laughter is generated because of an intriguing joke. The rest is laughter in everyday people's conversations.

Laughter is also useful for strengthening bonds with each other or in groups. Yes, humans often laugh at the words and comments of their interlocutors which may not always be funny. Laughter can also be a form of communication, not just a reaction.

2. Couples who often laugh together have a more lasting relationship

Robert Levinson, professor of psychology at the University of California Berkeley, researched and invited couples to his laboratory. He asks each partner to discuss something that upsets him about his partner.

The results showed that couples who discussed laughing and smiling could feel better emotions. Then by laughing, the couple also felt a higher level of satisfaction in their love relationship and the relationship was more lasting.

3. Laughter is "contagious"

When you see people laughing, sometimes you feel like you can't help laughing or smiling too. Even when you don't know what's funny, just watching other people laugh can make you tickle yourself. This happens because the brain monitors the activity made by the muscles in other people's faces.

Sophie Scott, a neurologist at University College London, discovered a fact from her research. When someone laughs, a part of your brain called the premotor cortex will automatically move the muscles in that part of your face, just like a person laughing. This is because your brain can respond to other people's laughter by imitating the same expression, even without you knowing it. So not infrequently, you will laugh when you see other people laughing.

4. Laughter burns calories

Have you ever heard that laughter burns calories? Yes, by laughing for 10-15 minutes, 40 calories from your body can just be burned, you know. According to a study from Vanderbilt University, laughing will result in an increase in heart rate and greater use of oxygen. All these physical reactions of course require energy, so the body will burn more calories than when you are sitting still.

5. Laughter can be healthy for the body

Study after study has shown the health benefits of laughter. An example is a study from Loma Linda University which showed that laughter can improve the memory of adults in their 60s and 70s.

In addition, researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine also found that watching comedy films can improve blood vessel function and increase blood flow to the brain. This is certainly healthy for your cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels). Other laughing facts also show that laughter is beneficial in boosting immunity, helping to regulate blood sugar levels, and improving sleep patterns.